Certified Tree Worker Safety Specialist Training (CTWSS)
$995.00
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Course Description
The Certified Tree Worker Safety Specialist Training (CTWSS) course is a comprehensive professional certification program designed for arborists, tree care professionals, utility line clearance workers, landscapers, forestry personnel, municipal workers, safety professionals, and contractors responsible for tree trimming, pruning, climbing, removal, and maintenance operations. This course provides participants with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to identify hazards, prevent workplace injuries, and comply with OSHA regulations and ANSI safety standards for arboricultural operations.Tree care is one of the most hazardous occupations due to the risks associated with working at heights, falling limbs, chainsaw operations, electrical hazards, aerial lifts, climbing systems, and heavy equipment. This certification prepares participants to safely perform tree maintenance activities while minimizing the risk of struck-by incidents, falls, electrocutions, equipment failures, and other workplace hazards.
Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of OSHA regulations, ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations, hazard recognition, job hazard analysis (JHA), tree risk assessment, chainsaw safety, climbing techniques, aerial lift safety, rigging systems, rope management, electrical hazard awareness, fall protection, emergency rescue procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe work practices for tree care operations.
The curriculum also covers safe pruning techniques, tree removal planning, ground crew coordination, equipment inspection, maintenance of climbing gear, traffic control, utility line clearance safety, incident prevention, emergency response planning, and regulatory compliance. Through practical scenarios and industry best practices, participants will learn how to conduct pre-job safety assessments, implement effective hazard controls, and establish safe operating procedures for tree care and arborist work.
Upon successful completion of the Certified Tree Worker Safety Specialist Training (CTWSS) course, participants will have the expertise to safely perform tree care operations, conduct workplace safety inspections, support OSHA compliance, and reduce injuries and fatalities associated with arboricultural work. This certification is ideal for professionals seeking career advancement in arboriculture, forestry, utility vegetation management, landscaping, and occupational safety.
What You'll Learn
- Upon successful completion of the Certified Tree Worker Safety Specialist Training (CTWSS) course, participants will be able to:
- Identify hazards associated with tree trimming, pruning, climbing, tree removal, and ground support operations.
- Understand OSHA regulations and ANSI Z133 safety requirements governing arboricultural operations.
- Conduct job hazard analyses (JHAs) and tree risk assessments before beginning tree care activities.
- Apply safe work practices for chainsaw operation, climbing systems, rigging equipment, aerial lifts, ropes, and tree removal procedures.
- Recognize electrical hazards associated with overhead power lines and implement safe work practices for utility line clearance operations.
- Select, inspect, maintain, and properly use personal protective equipment (PPE), climbing equipment, chainsaws, and cutting tools.
- Develop emergency response plans, rescue procedures, and incident reporting processes for tree care operations.
- Coordinate safe communication and teamwork between climbers, ground crews, supervisors, and equipment operators.
- Perform routine equipment inspections and maintenance to ensure safe arboricultural operations.
- Promote a proactive safety culture that reduces workplace injuries, fatalities, and property damage during tree care activities.
Who Should Attend
Tree Workers & Arborists Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance Personnel Municipal & Public Works Crews Utility Line Clearance Workers Safety Officers & Coordinators Facility & Maintenance Staff Line Supervisors & Team Leads Program Administrators
Certified Tree Worker Safety Specialist Training (CTWSS) Blueprint
1. Overview
The Certified Safety Health Specialist - General Industry (CTWSS) blueprint summarizes the examination structure and core knowledge areas aligned to the IASHEP General Industry course. The source course emphasizes 29 CFR 1910 safety regulations and standards, OSHA policies and procedures, hazard recognition, workplace inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, corrective actions, and safety program implementation.
2. Examination Parameters
| Duration | 4 Day course alignment |
| Total Questions | Standardized assessment |
| Question Format | Multiple-choice and scenario-based |
| Passing Score | Standard passing requirement |
3. Prerequisites & Qualifications
Candidates for this certification generally have responsibilities in workplace safety, compliance, supervision, industrial hygiene, facility operations, risk management, or program administration. Preparation should include:
- Familiarity with OSHA general industry requirements and 29 CFR 1910 standards.
- Ability to recognize common workplace hazards and recommend controls.
- Understanding of inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
- Practical experience supporting or managing safety and health programs.
4. Examination Domains
| Domain Name | Weight (%) | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1. OSHA General Industry Regulations and Compliance | 25% | 25 |
| 2. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment | 20% | 20 |
| 3. Safety Program Implementation and Hazard Controls | 20% | 20 |
| 4. Workplace Inspections and Corrective Actions | 15% | 15 |
| 5. Incident Investigation and Prevention Planning | 10% | 10 |
| 6. Communication, Training, and Professional Application | 10% | 10 |
| TOTAL | 100% | 100 |
5. Domain Breakdown
Domain 1: OSHA General Industry Regulations and Compliance
Weight: 25%
Knowledge of:
- OSHA general industry regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
- 29 CFR 1910 safety regulation/standard structure and application.
- Regulatory compliance requirements for workplace safety and health programs.
- Use of OSHA standards as a guide for identifying high-hazard areas.
Domain 2: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Weight: 20%
Knowledge of:
- Recognition of common workplace hazards including chemical, electrical, machinery, ergonomics, and environmental risks.
- Risk assessment methods for prioritizing hazards and exposures.
- Hazard identification, avoidance, control, and prevention concepts.
- Selection of practical control strategies based on observed workplace conditions.
Domain 3: Safety Program Implementation and Hazard Controls
Weight: 20%
Knowledge of:
- Implementation of effective safety programs and hazard control measures.
- Accident prevention strategies and corrective action planning.
- General industry safety and health principles as applied to real-world situations.
- Integration of safety procedures into routine operations.
Domain 4: Workplace Inspections and Corrective Actions
Weight: 15%
Knowledge of:
- Planning and conducting workplace inspections.
- Documenting inspection findings and identifying corrective actions.
- Evaluating facility, maintenance, production, and healthcare work environments.
- Communicating inspection results to supervisors, coordinators, and managers.
Domain 5: Incident Investigation and Prevention Planning
Weight: 10%
Knowledge of:
- Incident investigation principles and root-cause awareness.
- Corrective action planning following accidents, near misses, or identified hazards.
- Use of incident findings to improve hazard control and prevention programs.
- Follow-up activities to verify corrective actions are completed.
Domain 6: Communication, Training, and Professional Application
Weight: 10%
Knowledge of:
- Communicating OSHA requirements and safety expectations to workers and management.
- Supporting training, orientation, and safety awareness activities.
- Applying course knowledge immediately in workplace settings.
- Professional responsibilities for safety supervisors, coordinators, industrial hygienists, facility managers, line supervisors, and program administrators.
6. Additional Information
Course Alignment:
- IASHEP CSHS-GI course page identifies the course as a 4-day intermediate General Industry course.
- The course description identifies 29 CFR 1910 safety regulations/standards as the primary focus.
- The course outcomes include OSHA compliance, hazard identification, safety program implementation, workplace inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
Source: IASHEP course page, Certified Safety Health Specialist - General Industry (CTWSS), accessed May 14, 2026.